Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable materials and temporary treatment for facial aging approved by the FDA. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most widely used due to safety and their smoothness.
HA is a natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints, and soft tissue in high concentration. It also acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues.
Different forms of hyaluronic acid are used for cosmetic purposes. It has become one of the most popular kinds of injectable fillers due to their safety. They help minimize facial wrinkles and restore volume and fullness in the face by replacing subcutaneous fat that we lose as we age.
Dermal fillers are minimally invasive rejuvenation treatments, which can help reduce the effects of aging but will not fully eliminate them, and cosmetic surgery may still be necessary.
What can dermal fillers do?
- Injectable fillers can restore volume to the face, giving it a more youthful and natural appearance.
- Filler injections can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look smoother and more radiant.
- Injectable fillers can improve skin elasticity, making it appear firmer and more toned.
- Filler injections are a minimally invasive treatment that requires no downtime. Patients can return to most of their regular activities following the procedure.
- Injectable fillers typically last for several months to a year or more, providing long-lasting results.
What should I expect during a consultation for dermal fillers?
Dr. Barsoom will assess your goals, review your full medical history including list of Current medications. In addition, he will review any past cosmetic procedures, examine your face, take photographs, and discuss your available options to recommend a course of treatment.
You will be asked to sign a consent form to ensure that you fully understand the procedure, as well as the risks and potential complications.
What types of dermal fillers are available?
The most widely used fillers are hyaluronic acid which include brand names such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Saypha Croma.
There are other types of fillers like Calcium hydroxylapatite, Polyalkylimide, Polylactic acid, and Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA).
Dr. Barsoom only uses hyaluronic acid fillers due to their safety, reversibility, and ease of use.
What are the risks of dermal fillers?
Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used. The most common side effects/reactions include: skin redness, bruising, lumps, skin rash with itching, bleeding from the injection site and palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin.
There are some rare risks of Infection at the injection site or skin necrosis (ulceration or loss of skin from disruption of blood flow). Dr. Barsoom uses cannula needles and aseptic techniques in all high-risk areas to minimize such possibilities.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure can be quick and easy. The injections themselves may only take about 30-60 minutes, but as little as 15 minutes if only one area is treated. You will be able to return to most of your daily activities immediately afterward.
Are Treatments Painful?
Some discomfort may occur during and following the injection.
Are There Any Recommendations Prior and After Injection?
Before injection:
- To reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site, avoid any blood thinners such as Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen, and Voltaren the week before receiving the treatment. Also, avoid Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
After the injection:
- Avoid hot and prolonged bath, sunbathing and heavy cardio exercise .
- Do not apply makeup (especially lipstick post-lip enhancement) for 12 hours.
- Dental procedures should be performed at least 2 weeks pre- or posttreatment to minimize the risk of hematogenous bacterial spread.
